The United States has taken a bold, even bewildering step into the digital age of money. Through two executive orders in early 2025, the White House unveiled a Digital Asset Strategy (DAS) aimed at turning the US into the “crypto capital of the world.” The plan is ambitious: a national crypto reserve, a push for
Continue reading Is the Digital Dollar Undermining Itself? And What Should Europe Do About It?
A trajectory links Earth to outer space, and it is not only the one traced by rockets. It is the political, economic, and regulatory path that the European Union is trying to chart while the cosmos becomes ever more crowded, contested, and—above all—relevant to daily life. Why does space matter to us? Satellite signals now enable
Continue reading Europe’s Place in Space: Between Strategic Ambition and Earthly Reality
A recent report by the European Central Bank (ECB), published in June 2025, clearly shows that the share of the US dollar in international reserves has declined by about 2 percentage points, while the Chinese yuan has also lost ground, remaining stagnant at around 2.2%. In the same study, the euro’s stoic position emerges with
Continue reading Gold Ascendant: ECB Report Highlights Decline of Dollar and Yuan, Stagnation of Euro in Global Reserves
The RAND Europe submission to the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on National Security Strategy, in response to its Call for Evidence on Undersea Cables dated 6 March 2025, presents a detailed and urgent assessment of the risks, vulnerabilities, and governance challenges surrounding critical undersea infrastructure—particularly the telecommunications cables upon which modern society fundamentally relies. These
Continue reading Undersea Cables: RAND Europe submission to the UK Parliament’s Joint Committee on National Security Strategy
On May 12, 2025, China’s State Council Information Office released a major white paper titled “China’s National Security in the New Era”. It presents a comprehensive shift in Beijing’s strategic thinking—distinguishing this as their first dedicated national security declaration since 1949 . The paper analyzes China’s holistic national security strategy—spanning political, economic, technological, and social spheres—and its global
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I. Obligations under International Treaties: The NPT and Safeguards Agreements with the IAEA Iran has been a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) since 1970 as a non-nuclear-weapon state. Under Article II of the NPT, Iran is legally prohibited from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons. Article III obliges Iran to accept comprehensive safeguards implemented by
Continue reading International Obligations of Iran in the Field of Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Here they come again … The European Commission’s ProtectEU strategy aims, among other goals, to develop a “technology roadmap” that would enable lawful access to encrypted communications. Superficially, this promises a careful balance: strong encryption preserved, yet decryptable when legally warranted. But beneath the veneer lies a direct conflict with the fundamental rights framework established by the European Court
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In contemporary information warfare, a suite of sophisticated techniques has emerged, designed to manipulate public perception, erode trust in institutions, and destabilize democratic processes. These methods, often employed by various political actors and regimes, leverage both traditional propaganda and modern digital platforms to achieve their objectives. Below is an overview of these strategies: 1. Information
Continue reading Mechanisms of Modern Information Manipulation: Techniques and Implications and How to Counter Them
In response to escalating global trade tensions and the consequential redirection of goods into the European Union (EU) market, the European Commission has launched a comprehensive import surveillance tool. This initiative aims to monitor and mitigate the adverse effects of trade diversion, ensuring the stability and competitiveness of EU industries. Background: The Surge in Trade
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The document presented is a memorandum dated April 12, 2001, from Donald Rumsfeld, then Secretary of Defense, addressed to President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, and Condoleezza Rice. The memo introduces and attaches a critical reflection by Lin Wells titled “Thoughts for the 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review.” This reflection underscores a fundamental paradox:
Continue reading The unpredictability and rapid shifts in geopolitical reality and strategic alliances within brief historical intervals, often less than a decade.
Reports indicate that the Ukrainian drones involved in the strike on Russian strategic bombers were controlled using ArduPilot over 4G/LTE communications. This suggests the use of cellular networks as a medium for long-range UAV control, leveraging the MAVLink protocol — a lightweight, widely adopted telemetry standard that remains unencrypted by default. From a technical and counterintelligence perspective, this raises immediate
Continue reading Ukrainian Drones Used ArduPilot and 4G/LTE in Strategic Bomber Attack — Russian SORM Likely to Adapt Quickly
Starlink is a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) developed by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connection even in the most remote areas. Its strength lies in the low orbital altitude—about 550 kilometers—which drastically reduces latency, bringing it down to the 20–30 millisecond range. This is a remarkable improvement compared to traditional geostationary satellites, which are much farther from Earth. The Starlink system relies
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The European Commission’s new EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy sets out a comprehensive vision to make Europe the most attractive place in the world to launch and grow innovative companies. The strategy highlights that startups and scaleups are crucial for strengthening technological sovereignty, economic resilience, and long-term competitiveness. While Europe has a solid foundation—such as a skilled workforce, a stable regulatory framework, and a
Continue reading The European Commission’s new EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy
A joint investigation by Danwatch and Der Spiegel has uncovered a stunning breach of Russian military secrecy: highly sensitive documents detailing the infrastructure of Russia’s nuclear weapons facilities were publicly accessible online for months. Over two million procurement documents—retrieved from a Russian government database using advanced digital techniques—reveal the massive, years-long modernization of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces. These upgrades include new bases,
Continue reading Russia’s Nuclear Facilities (packed with Danish products) Exposed Online
What is End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)? End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) is a communication system designed to ensure that messages are readable only by the communicating parties. The fundamental principle is that the key used for encryption and decryption is known only to the endpoints, i.e., the users’ devices. This is different from non-E2EE systems, such as traditional email or
Continue reading End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) and the problems associated with backdoors
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) stands at the epicenter of a complex geopolitical triangle involving the United States and China. As the world’s leading chipmaker, TSMC’s operations are deeply intertwined with both nations: it supplies advanced semiconductors to Chinese tech giants like Huawei and relies heavily on U.S. technology and equipment for its manufacturing processes.
Continue reading TSMC, China, and the U.S.: A Semiconductor Power Struggle
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) is a comprehensive legislative package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22, 2025. Encompassing over 1,000 pages, the bill aims to extend and modify various tax provisions, implement significant spending changes, and introduce new fiscal measures. Section 899 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 marks
Continue reading Understanding Section 899: A New Fiscal Doctrine in U.S.
Scott Bessent recently suggested that a bank-issued stablecoin could generate up to $2 trillion in demand for U.S. Treasuries. To understand this claim, it’s necessary to unpack both the mechanics of stablecoins and the strategic thinking behind their potential expansion. Stablecoins are digital tokens pegged to fiat currencies—primarily the U.S. dollar—and typically backed by reserves
Continue reading Bank issued stablecoin and US Treasuries demand: is it monetary camouflage?
Mike Gonzalez’s recent article for the Heritage Foundation paints a picture of a Europe supposedly undermining democracy and the transatlantic alliance through “lawfare” and censorship. But does this narrative hold up? Lawfare or Democratic Safeguard? Gonzalez criticizes the use of legal instruments to counter parties like AfD in Germany or Vox in Spain, branding it
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Why has JPMorgan Chase opened a Center for Geopolitics? Because in 2025, geopolitical risk is not a background noise — it’s the main storyline. Jamie Dimon doesn’t mince words: “Our greatest risk is geopolitical risk.” From trade wars to global rearmament, from U.S.–China friction to Middle East realignments, the world is shifting — and markets aren’t
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In his thought-provoking article, ‘Universities as Innovation Ecologies for Human and Planetary Flourishing’, Otto Scharmer challenges the traditional role of universities, advocating a transformative approach to higher education. He argues that universities must evolve into dynamic ecosystems that actively engage in regenerating society and the planet, as well as disseminating knowledge. From knowledge transmission to
Continue reading “Universities and schools need to develop first-class humans, not second-class robots”
On 22 May 2025, the United Kingdom and Mauritius signed a landmark agreement regarding the Chagos Archipelago. This agreement represents a significant shift in colonial legacies and carries profound implications for international law and strategic military interests in the Indian Ocean. Historical Context: The Chagos Archipelago Dispute The Chagos Archipelago, a group of over 60
Continue reading The Chagos Archipelago, Diego Garcia and Geopolitics:
Montréal, 12 May 2025 – The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today voted that the Russian Federation failed to uphold its obligations under international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. This represents the first time in ICAO’s history that its Council has made a determination on the merits
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Carlo M. Cipolla, an Italian economic historian, introduced a compelling framework in his essay “The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity” to categorise human behaviour based on the impact of one’s actions on oneself and others. This framework is often visualised as a Cartesian plane that divides individuals into four distinct categories: 1. Intelligent (upper right
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The National Security Agency (NSA) has declassified and released a trove of historical documents detailing the origins and evolution of the UKUSA Agreement, the foundational treaty underpinning the intelligence-sharing alliance known as the “Five Eyes.” This release offers an unprecedented glimpse into the clandestine collaboration between the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New
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When a political leader or head of state normalizes borderline behaviours—those that challenge or circumvent ethical, legal, or institutional norms—there is a significant risk of long-lasting and profound effects on future generations. The legitimization of such behaviours by individuals in positions of power can initiate a process of collective desensitization. Actions once deemed unacceptable may
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On May 2, 2025, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) imposed a €530 million fine on TikTok for breaching the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The DPC fined TikTok after concluding that the company violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in two key ways: by unlawfully transferring personal data of European Economic Area
Continue reading Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) imposed substantial fine of €530 million on TikTok for violating the GDPR by unlawfully transferring European users’ personal data to China
On May 2, 2025, Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, BfV), the domestic intelligence agency, officially designated the entire political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a confirmed far-right extremist organization. This unprecedented classification follows a three-year investigation and a comprehensive 1,100-page report. It grants the BfV expanded surveillance powers over the party, including wiretapping and the
Continue reading German domestic intelligence agency officially designated the entire political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a confirmed far-right extremist organization.
Kenneth Rogoff’s latest book, Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider’s View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead, published by Yale University Press in April 2025, offers a sweeping, incisive examination of the historic rise of the US dollar and its increasingly precarious future. Drawing on his experience as a former
Continue reading Comparative advantage and the dollar’s dominance: unpacking economic misconceptions
Court of Justice of the European Union 30 April 2025 Case C-246/24 | Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Frankfurt am Main (Export of cash to Russia) The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that the EU’s restrictive measures—which prohibit the export of euro banknotes or those denominated in the currency of a Member State to Russia—also apply when the cash is
Continue reading No Euro cash for medical treatment in Russia under EU sanctions
The Court of Justice ruled that Malta’s 2020 investor citizenship scheme, which granted nationality in exchange for predetermined payments or investments without requiring a genuine link to Malta, violates EU law. While Member States retain competence over nationality matters, they must exercise it consistently with EU principles. Union citizenship is based on solidarity, good faith,
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Canada asserts that the Northwest Passage constitutes its internal waters, based on historical usage and the occupation by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Inuit. This claim is reinforced by the 1985 establishment of straight baselines around the Arctic Archipelago, effectively enclosing the passage within Canadian territory. Canada’s stance allows it to regulate all activities within the
Continue reading The dispute between Canada and the United States over the Northwest Passage centers on the legal status of this Arctic sea route.
The proposal to establish a National Security Council (Nationaler Sicherheitsrat) in Germany is a central element of the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, presented on April 9, 2025. This initiative aims to transform the existing Federal Security Council (Bundessicherheitsrat) into a more comprehensive body within the Federal Chancellery (Bundeskanzleramt), which currently focuses primarily on approving arms exports, into a
Continue reading A proposal of a National Security Council in Germany
In the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in December 2024, both the European Union and the United Kingdom have introduced substantial modifications to their sanctions frameworks on Syria. These revisions are intended to foster the country’s reconstruction and political transition while preserving strategic leverage to sustain reform momentum. European Union: strategic easing of restrictions On
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On April 23, 2025, the European Commission imposed the first fines under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) against Apple and Meta, marking a significant escalation in the EU’s enforcement of digital competition rules. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a landmark piece of legislation adopted by the European Union with the aim of reining in the overwhelming power
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Recent use: the SAFE initiative The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) has expressed opposition to the European Commission’s use of Article 122(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) as the legal basis for the “ReArm Europe” initiative (The Commission’s 19 March 2025 proposal to create the Security Action for
Continue reading The Legal Boundaries of EU Defence Policy: JURI Committee Challenges Commission’s Approach – Art. 122 – Democratic concerns and parliamentary scrutiny
In his article “Why Europe Must Avoid a Strategic Trap in a Post-American World”, Alexander Clarkson warns that the decline of US power could follow a similar path to the fall of the Roman Empire. He compares today’s tensions in US-European relations to the struggle of the Eastern Roman Empire after the collapse of the Western Empire.
Continue reading Avoiding the strategic trap: what Europe can learn from the fall of Rome
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has embarked on a significant expansion in the United States, particularly in Arizona, to strengthen its advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and establish a strategic presence in the U.S. technology sector. TSMC has announced a total investment of US$165 billion in the United States, a significant portion of which is earmarked
Continue reading TSMC in Arizona: geopolitics, technology and the future of semiconductors
The paradox of a strong dollar: the dollar lies at the center of the international monetary system. This grants the United States what was already described in the 1960s as an “exorbitant privilege” (B. Eichengreen): the ability to issue debt in a currency that the rest of the world wants to hold. However, this privilege has a
Continue reading Strong dollar – Weak dollar: a paradox
In The Age of Forever Wars: Why Military Strategy No Longer Delivers Victory (Published on Foreign Affairs, April 14, 2025), Lawrence D. Freedman offers a sobering critique of contemporary military strategy, revealing its dangerous reliance on outdated assumptions about the nature and duration of modern warfare. Central to his argument is the persistent “short war fallacy”—the
Continue reading The strategic illusion of quick victory